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Nano SIMs arrive at Retailers ahead of iPhone 5 Release Date

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Rumors say the iPhone 5 will use the new Nano SIM standard when it launches, and as we lead up to the anticipated iPhone 5 launch and release, it looks like retailers are receiving new Nano SIMs for the, “latest generation of smartphones that come in the near future.”

iFun reports that German T-Mobile locations are receiving the new smaller SIM cards along with instructions to keep them behind the counter until new phones launch.

If the iPhone 5 launches with a Nano SIM slot, it would be the first phone to use the smaller standard, The Nano SIM is smaller than the Micro SIM used in the iPhone 4S and in many Android phones. The image below shows the size difference, with the Nano SIM on the left and a Micro SIM inside a breakout for a SIM card on the right.

iPhone 5 Nano Sim T-Mobile Germany

The new Nano SIM is on the left.

The new Nano SIM cards reportedly came with the following message,

Dear partners,
You will receive today a new generation of SIM cards for the latest generation of smartphones that come in the near future on the market. Sort your SIM card please first not in their cards in hand and give it not out to customers. We will inform you shortly about how to proceed.” T-Mobile Germany letter

One reason Apple may be making the switch to the new Nano SIM standard is the need to make use of every millimeter of space inside the rumored iPhone 5, which leaks show is taller and thinner but not wider. The Nano SIM design is based off of Apple’s preferred design for the next generation SIM card, which was recently approved, despite competitor disagreement.

Nano SIM to MicroSIM Adapter

Nano SIM to Micro SIM Adapter

The smaller size is the only real benefit here. Users who want to switch SIms between multiple phones should be able to use a Nano SIM to Micro SIM adapter to use the NANO SIM in other devices. These adapters are already available for roughly $4.

While we don’t expect a T-Mobile iPhone 5 in the U.S., the German T-Mobile carrier sells the iPhone 4S and will likely be a launch partner for the new iPhone when it arrives.

The letter to retail partners suggests the rumors of a September 12th iPhone 5 announcement and a September 21st release date is very possible.

Check out GottaBeMobile’s iPhone 5 coverage for more on the design, specs and new iPhone rumors.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Faizan Amjad

    09/05/2012 at 9:02 am

    i feel like this might make it hard to use the iphone internationally until nano sim becomes the norm

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